Re: Tires (Mail Order) (fwd)

[Eddi Jew <jew@rysa.dtc.hp.com>]

 > My 86 5000 is in need of new tires.  Just thought I'd ask for a 
 > recomendation on a mailorder tire supplier.  I have seen the Tire Rack 
 > discussed here, does anyone have their phone number.  

800-428-8355

 > Also if someone could reccomend a good tire I'd appreciate it.  My 
 > car is not a quattro, but I drive on mountain roads a lot (I live in 
 > the mountains).  

I've got the RE71 195(205?)/60-VR15 rubber on my '86 5000S. I've been happy 
with them. A lot quieter and more easier on the wheels than the 205/50-ZR15
(I glance off a few curbs now and then ;-)). I need a suspension upgrade 
(and a little more skill) to use those 50s anyway.

 > I have found that any tire not rated H or better 
 > just doesn't last more than 15K miles.  In winter we recieve 60-100 
 > inches of rain so wet traction is a must.  I have found Dunlops worked 
 > well on my other cars, any experience 
 > on Audis? 

No, and we don't get that much rain in the Bay Area (until recently 8^O).
I did see a tire test in (Nomex ON) a recent Consumer Reports. Might be 
a decent starting place if you are looking for a tire that last long and 
has good wet traction. I've heard of list members in rainy, mountain areas,
so that would be your best reference. Consumer Reports may not care much
about "talking" tires and those characteristics of transient response.

-- Eddi

 > Thanks 
 > 
 > Paul